The current Head of Drama at NRK will be joining Banijay Nordic’s Norwegian production outpost Rubicon May 1st 2022.

The news was announced today by the media powerhouse Banijay Group, which oversees 120 production brands across 22 territories.

The senior Norwegian film and TV executive has worked for NRK since 2013.

Some of Norway’s biggest TV series have been greenlit under his leadership, from Countrymen -currently vying for the Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize, Exit, the international Emmy winner Atlantic Crossing, to July 22, State of Happiness and Mammon 2.

Before joining the Norwegian pubcaster, he served as Head of Development and Production at the Norwegian Film Institute. He has also written his own series.

He will be joining Rubicon’s strong creative team consisting of creative leaders Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin, and contribute to ramping up the company’s line up of standout original content for the local and global market, adding to Rubicon’s existing hit brands such as Lilyhammer, Beforeigners, and Maniac (remade in the US).

Køhn will report to Banijay Nordic’s CEO, Jacob Houling and the region’s Head of Scripted Johannes Jensen.

Houling said: Ivar Køhn has a stellar reputation across the scripted industry globally, and especially here in the Nordics. His knowledge of drama in Norway is second to none, and having already worked with Rubicon on several shows, he is the perfect match to lead the team.“

Køhn said: “I’ve had a great eight years with a skilled and committed gang in NRK's drama department, building a brilliant portfolio of hits. I feel very lucky to have been part of a very strong period of growth at a broadcaster with a conscious and innovative relationship to both drama and publishing. “

“The time now feels right for a change of editor, both for NRK, the industry and myself. There are great opportunities ahead for Norwegian drama, and to be involved in developing this through Rubicon TV will be challenging and super fun”, he said.

Køhn will stay in his current NRK role until May 1st, but Petter Wallace - editor in charge for external productions, will be responsible for content and decisions.

According to Rubicon’s statement, Håkon Briseid who was due to take the helm of Rubicon - as announced in September - eventually decided to embark on an alternative role prior to officially joining the business.

Read here the interview with Countrymen’s co-writers, vying for Best Nordic Screenplay: CLICK HERE.